What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Then take a moment to weigh all your options. Ask yourself whether the job you're doing is actually the right one for you. By thinking about this you may realize that trying to work with your ex is doing more harm than good. Furthermore, it might not be worth doing in the first place.
If you need and want to, add some distance from those after-work get-togethers, especially if your ex is likely to be present.
Your body language says a lot about who you are. Anything out of the ordinary will be picked up by others. Be prepared to check how you present yourself in the wake of any break up.
The way you stand and position yourself in relation to others, and how you gesticulate towards them, can indicate clear levels of discomfort.
At the end of the day, give the situation time and allow the blocks of reason to fall into place by themselves. Don't do anything drastic. Just allow your working relationship with your ex to take its natural course.
Sources: (Forbes) (Women's Health)
See also: Office romances: the do's and don'ts
Set a clear intention to prioritize work and remain motivated, even if your ex is still floating around the office.
The most important thing is to find someone you can connect with. And the more removed that person is from your ex, the better.
Instead, go ahead and reconnect with a friend you don't see often. If you're satisfied with your social life you'll be less tempted to combine it with work.
By making these connections, you'll identify the link between your career goals and your broader personal happiness.
To avoid relying too heavily on your ex, seek support from co-workers. But beware! This doesn't mean voicing off to someone else about your former flame.
Writing a journal is a great way to outline the goals you've set regarding your career. Make sure you include how your work ambitions play into the wider scope of what you seek personally, things such as happiness, physical wellbeing, and freedom.
No matter how the break up went down, the situation is often awkward for everyone concerned.
If that's not possible, have an open conversation about setting boundaries around what interactions are necessary, and those that should be avoided.
Sure, venting anger, bad-mouthing, and spilling secrets is the fallout from many break ups. But in a workplace environment, the rules governing a split are are a little different.
Your colleagues will no doubt want to know what happened. But no matter how close you are with them, some things are best kept to yourself. And in any case, besmirching someone's name and reputation will only make you look bad. Instead, reserve your ranting for friends and family outside the workplace.
Maybe you're able to switch teams, move desks, or alter shifts to minimize contact with your ex.
However, it's okay to make light of the situation by acknowledging any tension if or when you run into each other. Accepting the awkwardness of it all can help you both move on.
If you've had a prior relationship with a manager, an affair that could potentially get in the way of your work or promotion aspirations, it's always better to sure that person's superior is aware of your history together.
Yes, it's a sensitive subject. But situations like this must be navigated using good judgment and consideration for all sides involved.
Instead, chat in person after-hours, and only text or call using your personal phone. Also, be mindful of what you post on social media. Your colleagues may well be sharing the same networks.
Any unfinished business, or discussion about the break up, should take place after-hours.
The key to working with an ex partner is to keep work and relationship as separate as possible.
Try compartmentalizing your emotions at work and focus on your job. By doing this you'll spend less time worrying about your ex.
While it may be difficult to converse with an ex partner objectively, you don't need a broken heart ruining your reputation. Keep communication strictly professional.
Fretting about an ex puts you off your game. So ask yourself, do you really want to let a relationship that didn't work impact your career?
Break ups can result in a lot of tense conversation, but an office environment is no place for this kind of interaction.
Avoid communicating with your ex via the work e-mail, or office phone. You don't want the IT guys or, worse still, the boss snooping into your personal business.
Could you imagine sharing an office with a former fling? Or experiencing constant anxiety while working with your ex? Well, you're not alone! People find themselves in these tricky situations all the time. And while it might seem like the end of the world, some have figured out how to thrive under these awkward circumstances.
So if you're feeling lost and confused, check out this gallery and find out how to stay professional while working with your ex.
How to stay professional while working with your ex
Here's how to work through the awkwardness
LIFESTYLE Relationships
Could you imagine sharing an office with a former fling? Or experiencing constant anxiety while working with your ex? Well, you're not alone! People find themselves in these tricky situations all the time. And while it might seem like the end of the world, some have figured out how to thrive under these awkward circumstances.
So if you're feeling lost and confused, check out this gallery and find out how to stay professional while working with your ex.